Aurelius

Your day will come Igor. Patience.

I never could figure out why such a hush hush with partisan awards. And only a record card? What's da big deal? Same write ups as the ones found in the Central archives. Tom buddy, but some could come back as "Comrade Boris was brave in the Reichstag and killed one hitlerite."

Bigtime thanks to Auke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I included a shot to show that the screw is bent over. Battle of Stalingrad Award sheet All fields to be filled out fully Award sheet 1. Last name, first name and patronymic: Proskurnya, Pyotr Mitrofanovich 2. Rank: Lieutenant 3. Position and unit: Company commander in the 74th Rifle Regiment, 27th Guards Rifle Division; currently an investigator in the Gradizhsk Raion Nominated for: Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class 4. Year of birth: 1916 5. Nationality: Ukrainian 6. Party affiliation: Member of the Communist Party since 1942 7. Participation in the Civil War, the subsequent combat actions to defend the USSR, and the Patriotic War (where and when): In the Patriotic War from October 1941 through August 1942 on the Stalingrad Front 8. Wounds and contusions received during the Patriotic War: Sustained a severe bullet wound to his shoulder and thorax on August 26, 1942 on the Stalingrad Front 9. Since when in the Red Army: From September 1937 through August 1942 10. Drafted by which military commissariat: Military Commissariat of the Gradizhsk Raion, Poltava Oblast 11. Awards received previously (for which merits): Medal for the Victory over Germany 12. Permanent home address of the prospective awardee and the address of his family: ______________ Short, concrete description of his combat feat or merits: During the night of August 26, 1942, the 74th Rifle Regiment’s 4th Rifle Company, commanded by Lieutenant Proskurnya, was given orders to launch a counterattack in echeloned order from their positions near Kletskoye. Carrying out these orders, Lieutenant Proskurnya’s company, supported by a squad of anti-tank gunners and a heavy machine gun, launched a counterattack. However, when the company encountered an enemy submachine-gun company, supported by a mortar battery and 3 tanks, it was forced to take cover. The enemy tanks moved toward Lieutenant Proskurnya’s unit. Lieutenant Proskurnya committed his squad of anti-tank gunners, which destroyed 2 of the tanks, while the 3rd hastily disappeared. The crew members of one of the knocked out tanks jumped out of their vehicle, but were killed by comrade Proskurnya and 2 submachine gunners. Having repelled the tanks, Lieutenant Proskurnya again committed his company in a counterattack, but after 50 meters he was severely wounded to his shoulder and thorax by a German sniper. Inspired by its commander, the company, now led by its deputy commander, Junior Lieutenant Begzhanov, successfully renewed the counterattack. Being severely wounded, Lieutenant Proskurnya was evacuated to the medical company. He is currently a disabled veteran of the 2nd category. He currently works as a people’s investigator in the Gradizhsk Raion, Poltava Oblast. He deserves the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class. He has not spent time in captivity or in occupied territory. Military commissar of the Gradizhsk Raion Guards Major [signed] /Solovyov/ April 10, 1947 He deserves the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class. Military commissar of the Poltava Oblast Colonel [signed] /_______/ April 10, 1947 He deserves to be awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class. Commander of the Kiev Military District Original signed by Guards Colonel General /Grechko/ Verified. Chief of the 3rd Subsection of the Personnel Section of the Kiev Military District Major [signed] /_______/ May 19, 1947

Hi Tom, I have not seen one but I know a few guys who suuuuuuuuuuuuuuure are trying to get one. No success to date.

I'm trying to determine if anyone else has had similar experiences with lower numbered RBs. Is my theory correct that for under 100K RBs, these were not handed out in bulk to one unit/area but in hand fulls all over,ie., a few at a time to many units in different places?

Mornin Eric, You have an outstanding collection-my compliments. According to Schmitt's book, your 633K is close to one that was awarded in 47 under Supreme Soviet. This could mean war wound. Auke, am I right on this? The Glory 2 is close to one awarded in 44 to 3rd Guards Army. This should be combat. From the above list, I'd first do the ORB and Nevsky. ALL are superb candidates for research. Research has become a great deal more economical. Re the RB, I had a 49K but it was for long service. Mine was 489XX. It is a personal preference on whether one researches or not and only one that you can make. But think to yourself, what if you research one of them and it turns out to be for Comrade tankist Chinaov fighting fearless and smoking many enemy tanks at Kursk?

Very interesting replies and wishes. Common wants from many and all great. Nice selection fellas. Ok, so mine are these: 1. An award that specifically states that a Soviet unit smoked/destroyed/kaputted a complete unit of SS. 2. Mi24 gunship for smoking rebels in Afghanistan. 3. Reichstag As for my Dutch, well, I happen to know a damn good Dutch translator.

That is, for what actions and by what mos (military occupation specialty)? No, you can't list Zaitsev's BM or Chuikov's non military Mr. Smiley award. An award that you have in your collection that you research and, boom, when the research comes in it will be your favorite for a long time and it will make you stop eating yucky gluton free bread and go back to ordinary white bread. I'll give my answer after a few of you answer.

I've seen one award where an officer repaired tanks in the field. Let's face it, these officer guys were brave and performed the tasks as required regardless of rank.

Ah !#$%, my bad. I looked at the wrong reference. You are correct Auke. Sorry Tom. Still a great award.

Your citation is for a sapper. You have a super award with a great long write up. The only way to fully enjoy the translation is to get it done by a professional like Auke (Ferdinand). Rogi, if you are referring to Igor in my post, he does not do research. He sold me the group.lol Cheers.

Nice one Tom! Did you know that the 31st Guards RD fought at Stalingrad? So buddy, you have a Stalingrad vet there.

True words of wisdom Auke. Paul, but don't try to use the book to pick up chics. I tried it and crashed and burned. Somehow using the line "hi there, would you like to go for perogies and hear about the Stalingrad BM range in Echoes" question didn't work.

Outstanding Tom! And all within 11 months-well done lad. Research em buddy. The 200K BM is in the Stalingrad serial number range

It is my understanding that they are in the central archives,ie., the citation write ups but you have to go to the naval archives to get the record card with th guy's name first. Navy archives are also on Podvig. It's kinda confusing but methinks that is how it goes.

Thanks fellas but pls keep in mind that your unresearched serialized awards can be even better. This one I took a long shot (serial number wise) at based on Echoes for Stalingrad range. No Stalingrad but good regardless. Both of you two have and will continue to do well on research.

Man, you should be happy and whistlin Dixie that you have an ORB2-congrats! Hope that you post it. If you use Schmitt's Echoes book for RSs and RBs, one can evade long service awards. Don't feel bad as I have had my fair share of RB long service. However, if you check Podvignaroda, you might find the other awards and say WOW, this is interesting. If I can remember, I'll post a long service RB but one with his other awards-very impressive. Auke is like the super master detective that can find them anywhere on Podvig. Just my opinion but T2V2 BMs are typically one liners. : (

There is no wrong in any answers given. It is a personal preference thing. If someone wants to collect Soviet cat food containers, all the power to them. Paul, it depends. Typically RSs have longer write ups. BMs can be one liners. Eg. Ivan was brave and killed 5 hitlerites. Given the cost of research, my preference is longer write ups. With Glories, there is the war wound serial number range-not my preference for what you pay for research. Sounds words of wisdom Rogi, ie. patience. The other advice is great also.

I've been asked a number of times which awards are the best to research. I use the comparison of OPW2s and RSs. Personally I have found that one gets the biggest bang for their buck with RSs overall. My track record with OPW2s has not been great-mostly SMERSH which I trade away and don't collect. With RSs, you are almost guaranteed a good write up. Please keep in mind that this is not a character assassination of OPW2s (I still have a few good ones) but rather a research comparison based on price. Your thoughts?

Abbreviated Award Card Abbreviated award card attests ethnic Russian Nikolai Vasilevich Pryanichnikov was born in 1919, entered the Red Army 23.10.1940 and joined the Communist Party in 1951. A general address is listed as Kirov Oblast, Urzhupskii Region, village of Lebedevo. According to an edict dated 21 August 1953, he received an unnumbered Combat Service Medal from the 8 Fleet for 10 years’ eight months’ service and at the time he was a senior technical lieutenant serving as the senior vessel mechanic on the “Litb.” For 15 years’ 1 month service he received the Order of the Red Star #3.409.108 according to an edict dated 30.12.56. He was decorated on 21.3.57 at which time he was a captain on the “Bui” in the Baltic Fleet. Award Card Order Booklet 568667 Last name: Pryanichnikov Name and patrionymic: Nikolai Vasilevich Rank: Senior II Class Gender: Male Birthyear: 1919 Birthplace: Leningrad Party membership: candidate member 1944 Education: mid-level Nationality: Russian Time in Red Army: 1940 Place of service at awarding: “Uragan” Escort Vessel, Northern Fleet Place of work at present: Northern Fleet (?)-20, (?) Command – Helmsman 2 Class Home address: Leningrad, Primorsk. Region, (?) 29, Apt. 51 Awards: Designation Serial Number Awarding Organization Red Star 215.960 Northern Fleet (?) dated 8.03.44 Polar Regions Medal #033573 Victory over Germany Medal #00029876 Verified by Northern Fleet, Chief of 6th Section, Personnel, Lieutenant Lok(?)onov on 4 September 1946 Award Card [trans: handwritten “Temporary”]Order Booklet 568667 Last name: Pryanichnikov Name and patrionymic: Nikolai Vasilevich Rank: Technical Services Captain Gender: Male Birthyear: 1919 Birthplace: Kirov Oblast, Urpsumskii Region, village of Lebedevo Party membership: since 1951 Education: mid-level Nationality: Russian Time in Red Army: since 23.10.1940 Place of service at awarding: Hydographic Vessel “Bui” 602 Independent Battalion of Hydrographic Vessels, Hydrographic Service, Baltic Fleet – Commander B-ch 5 Place of work at present: same as above Home address: Talin, Gogol St. Bldg 37, Apt 5 Awards: Designation Serial Number Awarding Organization Red Star 215.960 Combat Service Medal n/a Edict dated 21.8.53 Red Star 3.409.108 Edict dated 30.12.56 Verified by Baltic Fleet Chief of Hydrographic Service, Captain (?) Class Klochpov on 14 March 1957 Award Sheet Award Recommendation for Northern Fleet, Main Base Brigade of Patrol Craft, Section Commander of “Uragan” Vessel Petty Officer II Class Nikolai Vasilevich Pryanichnikov for the Order of the Red Star Birth year: 1919 Nationality: Russian Social position and progress: office worker from peasant family Party membership: Comsomol member since 1942 In Red Army: since 1941 Participation in the Civil War: n/a Wounds or shell-shock: n/a Previous awards: n/a Letters of Commendation or other encouragements: n/a Service in the White Army, other bourgeois armies, or prisoner: n/a Home of record: [trans: entry intentionally obscured] Short description of personal combat feat or accomplishment Serving on the “Groza”[trans: “Threat”] vessel and later “Uragan”[trans: “Hurricane”] since the beginning of the Patriotic War, Comrade Pryanichnikov directly participated in combat actions serving as an example to his subordinates. From 22 June 1941 through March 1942 he participated in many combat operations shelling enemy fortifications and equipment, engaging in convoy operations with our and allied transports including the rescue of the “Mariya Ulyanova.” While in the 2nd Battalion assault/fire-correction party he repeatedly landed on the Western Face to adjust fire upon enemy firing positions and personnel, as from the “Groza” and “Smerch” escort vessels. Through his hard, selfless work upon the “Uragan,” he greatly enabled the quickest introduction of a vessel into the naval fleet. First occupying the duty of helmsman and then helm section commander, Comrade Pryanichnikov’s intiative and decisiveness repeatedly extricated the ship from difficult situations. On 5 March 1943 while passing through Ekaterinenskaya Harbor, the steering wheel went out of order and repeatedly reporting about the situation, Comrade Pryanichnikov ran from the steering section and transferred the steering wheel to manual control, thus preventing a major accident. On 12 May 1943 while passing the narrow strait between Salnii island and the eastern coast of Kolskii bay, the steering mechanism went out of order and Comrade Pryanichnikov quickly reported the situation and instantly transferred the steering to manual control, thus permitting the commander to assume control and prevent a major ship accident. On the night of 11-12 October 1943 while accomplishing its combat mission at the entry of the White Sea in stormy weather the steering mechanism again went out of order due to damage. As a result of the damage, Comrade Pryanichnikov took manual control of the ship for three hours. In September-October 1943 the ship was without a navigational electrician and Pryanichnikov learned this specialty in the course of a month and worked as the navigational electrician. In day-to-day conditions in any maneuvers Pryanichnikov proved himself a real master of his trade, greatly easing the commander’s control of the ship. During his service he participated in more than 22 convoys going over 11,000 miles, participated in the accomplishment of the Command’s mission in employing new equipment, conducted military patrols, and searched for enemy ships. For exemplary accomplishment of the Command’s missions on the front against the German invaders and for displaying valor and bravery, I recommend Comrade Pryanichnikov for the Order of the Red Star. Signed Commander, Escort Vessel “Uragan”, Northern Fleet Main Base Naval Patrol, Captain-Lieutenant Stepanin on 3 March 1944 Endorsed Commander, (?), Captain I Class Shmelev on 8 March 1944 Unit Award Order SECRET Commander of the Northern Fleet Main Base Naval Patrol Brigade Order dated 08 March 1944, Tyuva Bay On behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet USSR, I award the following decorations for exemplary accomplishment of the Command’s missions in the struggle against the German invaders and for having displayed valor and bravery: Order of the Red Star to: 11. Petty Officer I Class Pryanichinkov, Nikolai Vasilevich – Section Ship Commander, “Uragan” Patrol Craft, Patrol Craft Brigade, Naval District, Northern Fleet Main Base Signed Commander, Patrol Craft Brigade, Naval District, Northern Fleet Main Base Captain I Class Shmelev and Chief of Staff Captain II Class Shanikov

Super award Tom! These guys had real balls. They were always targets for snipers, etc. Nice write up also. One question though, is it true that you have converted to being a Man Utd fan like your brother in ink, ie., me? Sure looks like it was battleground dug.

Congratulations Rogi on a very fine award. A very good write up also for brave actions under fire.

Dan, it could be me but isn't this one the secret section of SMERSH called BUNK? BUNK was notorious for telling agitation and disinformation stories like this reply. To be a member of BUNK, one had to pass a spelling contest of anti nazi words and had to be mean in nature and be rude to squirrels.

Hi Paul, it might take years of resubmitting the same award but I'd say that the research will eventually show up for many which were previously unresearchable if you are in it for the long haul. I know of many examples which were previously unresearchable for years showing up with a direct hit. Case in point, I had a Major General long service award which came up empty in Podolsk. Last year I did get it in the KGB archives. Nothing was any different than what you would get in Podolsk except that he did time in the gulag in the late 30s. I also learned last year that there is an archives in Moscow but the research could very easily have been from Podolsk. Plus as mentioned before, sub archives within archives. Maybe there is a sub archives within the sub archives of the archives?lol Confusing-yes.

One day Paul, I will be saying the same to you regarding that RB group of yours. Word is out in the archive world in Russia that there's good rubles in providing research. More and more archives are being opened. One day your group will come back as Vietnam or something like a sniper/hair stylist. It's gonna happen man.